New horizons: 12 travel hotspots for 2016

The UK’s largest travel association for agents and operators, ABTA, has identified 12 “destinations to watch”, a list of places that are expected to see a boom in tourism this year.

Its 2016 travel trends report was put together with the help of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and findings were based on data from a survey of 2,003 consumers.

This year it’s predicted that almost a quarter (23 per cent) of the population will spend more on holidays (up from 20 per cent last year).

Out of these, 40 per cent of the people with top jobs (representing 4 per cent of population) are planning to spend more on holidays this year – last year the average for this demographic was eight vacations per person, up from 7.4 in 2011.

Overall, the public is becoming more adventurous. Almost one in five people (18 per cent) will head for somewhere they have never been before (compared with just 9 per cent last year).

At the same time, almost one in four (23 per cent) said they would choose to experience a new city or resort if they had been to that country before (compared with 10 per cent last year).

The older generation of over 55-year-olds are also seeking more active and adventurous experiences abroad, while in general, new long-haul aircraft such as the B787 and A380 mean people are willing to fly further.

John Heppenstall, head of consular campaigns at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said: “ABTA’s report, which suggests that more British people will travel to a country that is new to them in 2016, acts as a reminder of the importance of preparing fully before travelling abroad.

“Simple steps such as taking out comprehensive travel insurance and researching your destination can make the difference between a holiday to remember and one to forget. The vast majority of people who travel abroad enjoy trouble-free trips, but for those who do encounter difficulties our consular staff are there to offer support.”

Here are ABTA’s predictions for the destinations more people will be travelling to in 2016…

1. Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi

2. Canada

Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Canada

3. China (the Silk Road)

Karst Mountains of China

4. France

Beynac-et-Cazenac, France

5. Hawaii

Island of Kauai, Hawaii

6. Iceland

Jokulsarlon glacier, Iceland

7. Iran

Bath inside the Arg of Karim Khan, Shiraz, Iran

8. Italy (Naples and Apulia)

Bari, Apulia, Italy

9. Peru

Atacama Desert, Oasis of Huacachina, Peru

10. Poland

Tatra Mountains, Poland

11. Australia (Queensland)

Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

12. Sri LankaTo find out why your next trip should be to Iran, click here.

To find out why Antarctica is the coolest place to visit on Earth, click here.

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